Faroe Islands defeat Greece again

• Faroe Islands beat Greece for second time in qualifying to move up to fourth in Group F
• Hallur Hansson and Brandur Olsen get goals while Greece hit post twice
• Sokratis Papastathopoulos pulls one back with six minutes left
• Greece still without win at foot of section
• Next games: Faroe Islands v Northern Ireland, Greece v Finland (4 September)

The Faroe Islands proved their November victory in Greece was no fluke as they defeated the 2004 European champions once again in UEFA EURO 2016 qualifying Group F.

With the pre-game ticker tape from the Faroese faithful still raining down, Jóan Edmundsson – who scored in the 1-0 success in Piraeus – broke and shot not far off target to ramp the excitement levels up a notch. However, the hosts were forced into a 13th-minute change when the injured Gilli Sørensen was replaced by Jóhan Davidsen, and Greece promptly took control.

Nikos Karelis had an effort blocked on the line and Gunnar Nielsen did well to tip over a looping Kostas Mitroglou header. Mitroglou also hit the woodwork on 32 minutes – and immediately was made to pay as the Faroe Islands broke and Hallur Hansson turned in Sølvi Vatnhamar's cross.

Sotiris Ninis was introduced at half-time as a rainbow hung over the stadium, but it was no harbinger of luck for Sergio Markarián's men as Nielsen dived to deny the substitute. Soon after Nielsen touched a Karelis drive onto the post and although Vasilis Torosidis did find the net, the goal was disallowed for a foul.

Greece still poured forward, Mitroglou rifling wide, yet with 20 minutes to go they were 2-0 down. Vatnhamar received the ball on the right and played it back for the onrushing Brandur Olsen to strike past Orestis Karnezis. Six minutes from the end Sokratis Papastathopoulos headed in a corner to reduce arrears but Lars Olsen's side held out.

The Faroe Islands are up to fourth in UEFA EURO 2016 Group F, five points off third spot. It is only the fourth time they have beaten a team twice in a qualifying group after San Marino (EURO '96), Malta (1998 FIFA World Cup) and Luxembourg (2002 World Cup).